Staff Bioinformatics Scientist - Oncology/MRD Algorithm Development

Illumina; United States; Remote; USD 156,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Genomics sequencing access

Family planning

Health/dental/vision

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Illumina is seeking a Staff Bioinformatics Scientist in the United States to lead MRD algorithm development for oncology. You will advance ctDNA and variant biomarker analysis within a cross-functional team.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in bioinformatics or related field with 3+ years of industry experience, strong Python skills and experience in C++. This remote-friendly role requires overlap with Pacific Time hours.

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, computation biology, statistics, math or related field with 3+ years industry experience.
• Fluency in at least two areas: statistics, bioinformatics methods for NGS, and oncology.
• Proven track-record developing bioinformatics NGS algorithms beyond existing tools.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and improve NGS algorithms for oncology use cases (MRD).
• Assess and enhance secondary analysis algorithms for variant and biomarker detection.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to design experiments for Illumina oncology assays.
• Provide technical guidance to collaborators and participate in cross-functional R&D teams.
• Communicate plans and results effectively across functions.

Skills

Statistics

Bioinformatics methods

Oncology

Education

PhD in bioinformatics / computation biology / statistics / math

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Why Us

We are a multi-disciplinary and multinational team focused in using next-generation sequencing technology to transform human health and save patient’s lives. Our team works at the interface of research and clinical practice developing and improving innovative algorithms to biomarkers and variants that fill gaps in clinical practice, focusing primarily on oncology. We collaborate deeply with internal and external teams, to augment DRAGEN, Illumina’s software platform to analyze high-throughput sequencing data, remove barriers for its use in clinical settings, and develop new biomarkers in areas such as MRD and methylation.

Why You

We know the importance of your role and offer you a collaborative and supportive environment in which you are actively encouraged to develop your skills and knowledge. Illumina’s mission is to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome - if that inspires you, let’s talk. If you are excited as we are about using genomics to transform the practice of medicine, have a proven track record of algorithm development, data analysis, and strong coding ability, this is the role for you. You will be part of a culture fueled by innovation, collaboration, and openness.

To be successful as a Staff Bioinformatics Scientist , you will need a background in bioinformatics with a particular focus on algorithm development, biomarkers and oncology. Previous experience with at least two: statistics, common bioinformatics methods, next generation sequencing analysis, and oncology will be key to your success. This role may be performed remotely within the US but the position requires accommodation to meeting times to overlap with Pacific time zone hours.

The Role

The Staff Bioinformatics Scientist will drive the development of algorithms for detecting minimal residual disease in ctDNA samples using signals from small variant calling, copy number calling, fragmentomics, and methylation. This role will also assist in improving algorithms for therapy selection across a range of variant types and biomarkers.

Responsibilities:

• Prototype novel NGS algorithms for clinical oncology use cases such as MRD
• Assess and improve existing secondary analysis algorithms for variant and biomarker detection
• In collaboration with external and internal experimental teams, design and analyze experiments to support existing or new Illumina oncology assays.
• Provide technical guidance to internal and external collaborators.
• Participate in cross functional assay and algorithm R&D teams with minimal oversight.
• Effectively communicate plans and results across functions

Requirements:

• PhD in bioinformatics, computation biology, statistics, math or related field with 3+ years industry experience
• Fluency in at least two of statistics, common bioinformatics methods NGS analysis, and oncology.
• Proven track‑record with developing bioinformatics NGS algorithms beyond leveraging already existing tools.
• Fluency in programming languages such as Python. Experience with C++ is desired
• Good communication skills to contribute to cross functional project teams and work with stakeholders.

#LI-REMOTE

The estimated base salary range for the Staff Bioinformatics Scientist – Oncology/MRD Algorithm Development role based in the United States of America is: $155,600 - $233,400. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritised openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants.